10 Steps to a DIY Winter Spa Day

1. Start With a Massage

First things first: If you’re about to embark on an at-home winter spa journey, you need to loosen up a little (literally!). If you have a pro massager at home, definitely reach for that. But if you want to spend way less for the same effect, pick up a lacrosse ball from Amazon. We love keeping these around the home so we can work out the tension and kinks in our hands, back, and feet by firmly rolling the ball against the affected areas. 

If you’re going to be applying skincare, a gua sha tool is an affordable way to get a facial massage and release some lymphatic drainage for less puffy skin. 

2. Open Up Your Pores in a Steam Bath/Shower

There’s nothing like a hot bath or shower to get us instantly relaxed, and since you’re embarking on a luxe at-home winter spa night, up the ante with some extras. Grab a bath bomb or shower steamer to set the mood and relax further with the healing effects of aromatherapy. CBD infused bath bomb, anyone? 

3. Do a Foot/Hand Soak

If you want to concentrate the ingredients used and target a specific area, like the hands or feet, try an at-home foot or hand soak. You can add your favorite ingredients, like salts or essential oils. We’re a fan of anything from the Dead Sea, since it has a higher salt concentration which will help draw out toxins from the body. 

4. Try a Soothing Hand Mask

The worst thing about winter is how dry the skin gets when it’s routinely exposed by the elements. You’re probably doing your facial skincare routine at home, but when was the last time you paid any attention to your hands? Pick up a hydrating hand sheet-style mask and give your digits the TLC they deserve. 

5. Try a Decadent Foot Mask

There are single-use foot masks you can buy (we love THE CRÈME SHOP Moisture Repair Foot Mask), but you can also do it yourself from home. Lather on your favorite shea butter lotion on your feet and remember, the more product the better. Then wrap your feet in plastic wrap or a Ziploc bag, and top with your favorite socks to keep them extra cozy. You can leave this treatment on while you watch a movie, or you can even sleep with them. 

6. Give Your Scalp Some TLC With a Scalp Scrub

If you’re anything like us, your scalp, along with your hands, is the first thing to go in the winter. And by “go,” we mean, completely freak the heck out. If you’re dealing with product buildup and an overall itchy, dry, and flaky scalp, try a deep scalp clean. A scalp scrub is typically used in place of your shampoo about once a week, or once every other week. It helps to slough off dead skin cells and remove product buildup at the same time, so your hair will stave off oil and grease longer after using it. Gently work the product into your scalp using the pads of your fingers or a silicone scalp brush. Never use your fingernails, as this can break the skin and cause further irritation. We love the CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Cleansing Purifying Scalp Scrub for a weekly treat. 

7. Hydrate at the Root

After you scrub out product and dead skin, make sure to hydrate strands root to tip with a hair oil. We love the OUTRE BY USE ME CBD-infused oil for even more relaxation. First, massage it between your hands to emulsify the product and warm up the ingredients. Then, massage the product into the crown of your head and all around your scalp. There’s no need to wash it out; just sit back, relax, and let the CBD work its magic.

8. Make Time for a Mani-Pedi

Summer isn’t the only time you need to be paying attention to your hands and toes. During the winter, your hands need even more care, and refreshing your pedicure can be a daily mood booster, even if no one else is seeing it outside of your house. Start with the above mentioned hand soak to get your cuticles soft. Then, push them back with a wooden spatula or metal tool to your liking. From there, clip nails and file into your desired nail shape. Why not try a new shape you’ve never had before? Then, start with a base polish that has strengthening properties. We love the one from SUNDAYS that also doubles as a top coat. Then add your polish color of choice. And now it’s time to take advantage of the frigid winter air! Instead of smudging your nails as soon as you do them, stick your hands out the window and let the cool, breezy air freeze your polish in a flash. Seriously, thank us later.

9. Mask Up

No spa day is complete without a face mask. Whether you grab a sheet mask like the HELLO GANIC One a Day Sheet Mask or want to apply a clay mask to pull out bacteria, blackheads, and impurities, you can’t go wrong. Bonus points if you add two cucumber slices on your eyes; now that would make for an epic Instagram picture.

10. Give Yourself a Kiss

Okay, not exactly a kiss, but you already took care of your face, hands, and scalp, so the only thing that hasn’t recovered from the harsh winter elements is your lips. Lip balm barely lasts in the cold winter air, and you’ve probably noticed that you’re constantly reapplying. Add in a boost of moisture with a lip scrub and mask session. Grab a lip scrub like the one from BASIC SKIN. This is a crucial step because it’ll help rub off loose skin and overly chapped skin that’s standing in the way of you and hydration. From there, add moisture back into your pout by using an overnight lip mask. The one we can’t get enough of is the cult-face LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask that helps you wake up feeling fresh and hydrated.

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